Segment Information (Sales And Other Financial Information By Business Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Net sales	$ 3,322	$ 3,012	$ 6,563	$ 5,967
Segment operating income	672	502	1,263	1,058
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	(110)	(95)	(212)	(183)
Orthopaedics
Net sales	1,228	1,141	2,444	2,276
MedSurg
Net sales	1,455	1,336	2,882	2,641
Neurotechnology and Spine
Net sales	639	535	1,237	1,050
Operating Segments
Net sales	3,322	3,012	6,563	5,967
Segment operating income	944	830	1,852	1,646
Operating Segments | Orthopaedics
Net sales	1,228	1,141	2,444	2,276
Segment operating income	437	395	866	788
Operating Segments | MedSurg
Net sales	1,455	1,336	2,882	2,641
Segment operating income	326	285	627	569
Operating Segments | Neurotechnology and Spine
Net sales	639	535	1,237	1,050
Segment operating income	181	150	359	289
Corporate and other
Segment operating income	(89)	(77)	(187)	(176)
Segment Reconciling Items
Acquisition and integration-related charges	(24)	(9)	(41)	(18)
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	(110)	(95)	(212)	(183)
Restructuring-related and other charges	(22)	(45)	(85)	(83)
European Medical Devices Regulation	(2)	0	(3)	0
Rejuvenate and other recall-related matters	(2)	(72)	(6)	(98)
Regulatory and legal matters	$ (23)	$ (30)	$ (55)	$ (30)